Tartu-Jõgeva Recreation Area

The RMK recreation area is situated in the counties of Tartu and Jõgeva and is divided in two—Tartu and Saare–Vara areas. Objects of the Tartu region are situated in Tähtvere and Kambja municipalities and offer recreation in an out-of-town area. Objects in Elva region are managed and developed under cooperation agreement by Vapramäe–Vellavere–Vitipalu Foundation. The objects of the Saare–Vara region are situated in Saare, Pala, Vara and Alatskivi municipalities and are best suited for weekend holidays. The various bodies of water in Tartu–Jõgeva Recreation Area —rivers, lakes, fishponds, artificial lakes and areas inundated in springtime— but also the versatile terrain, expanses of forest of different growth types and wetlands are particularly beautiful. Both regions have many hiking and cycling trails, campfire and recreation sites. The total area and the multitude of recreation opportunities offer all nature lovers enough “space to breathe”. In 2008 one of the tourist magnets in Central Estonia—Elistvere Animal Park—was added to the list of objects managed by the Centre for State Forest Management. Elistvere Animal Park gives visitors a chance to get more closely acquainted with the life and activities of wild animals and offers spectacular views of the picturesque landscape of Vooremaa, the drumlin region. A former village shop has been thoroughly renovated into the main entrance to the animal park and also houses the RMK Elistvere Visitor Centre, which organises nature educational activities and functions as the region’s centre.Since May 2019 Alatskivi hiking trail is managed by Peipsiääre Municipality (+372 730 2370, vald@peipsivald.ee).

Location

Jõgeva County, Tartu County

Attractions

Out-of-town forest, the versatile terrain of Kaiu and Saare kames and the Vooremaa drumlins, bodies of water of rich biodiversity and forests full of wild berries and mushrooms, Alatskivi and Elistvere manor parks, Elistvere Animal Park.